The Villain Professor's Second Chance-Chapter 447: The Stalemate of Two Sides

The Arcane Influx chamber was a sight to behold, a place where the very essence of Aetherion converged and flowed like a living entity. Ancient symbols glowed with arcane energy, casting a spectral light across the vast room, illuminating the intricate lines carved into the walls and ceiling. It was here that the ley lines converged, flowing in iridescent streams, feeding the defenses that had long protected the underwater fortress. The energy surged through the air, pulsating like a heartbeat, and the atmosphere was charged with raw, unstable power—a power that could either protect or destroy them all. Explore new worlds at novelbuddy

The arrival of Draven, Duchess Blackthorn, Duke Lancefroz Icevern, Earl Roberta Laios Falken, and Count Ken Arbantilus Valen brought a palpable shift to the room. Their entrance drew the attention of the three remaining chancellors who were already present, their faces lighting up at the sight of the reinforcements. Lisanor, the fiery pyromancer from Aradia, stood with her bright hair glowing like embers, her expression filled with both relief and determination. Elysior, the enigmatic chronomancer, remained composed, her emerald eyes taking in every detail, her presence a calming yet vigilant force. And then there was Balthus, the arcane historian, his sharp gaze darting around the room, his knowledge of magic invaluable in this dire situation.

Draven’s eyes moved across the room, cold and calculating, taking in everything—the lines of power flowing across the floor, the ley lines that twisted in iridescent spirals, and, most importantly, the massive creature looming near the barrier that protected the Arcane Influx. The Chain Revenant was a monstrous being, its twisted form entirely constructed of spectral chains. Its serpentine body wound through the chamber, each link of its dark, ethereal chains seeming to writhe and twist like they were alive. The creature’s eyes glowed with a ghostly blue light, hollow and vacant, while its skeletal form appeared both fragile and indomitable, wrapped in an endless cocoon of spectral chains that pulsed with malevolent energy.

The Revenant’s mere presence seemed to thrum with power, feeding on the abundance of arcane energy that filled the room. The chains anchored the creature to the ley lines, siphoning power directly from the heart of Aetherion, and Draven could see the flickering instability in the magical defenses that the creature’s feeding had caused. The air was suffused with tension, a precarious stalemate hanging by a thread.

Balthus spoke first, his voice edged with both awe and fear, "It’s a creature of death," he said, his eyes fixed on The Chain Revenant, his hand gesturing towards the abomination. "A single touch from its chains can drain your spirit, leaving nothing but an empty husk. It’s grown this powerful because we’re in a place brimming with trapped spirits—it’s feeding on them."

Lisanor nodded, her gaze darkening as she studied the creature. "This place is a feeding ground for it. All of the latent energy, the spirits that linger here… it’s perfect for a creature like this." She paused, her eyes narrowing in frustration. "If only Chancellor Kyrion were here—his mastery of necromancy could have turned the spirits against it. They’ve truly struck us at our weakest."

Elysior added, her voice calm but tinged with concern, "The creature has anchored itself to the ley lines, feeding off the power that sustains Aetherion. It’s a direct conduit, and if we don’t sever that connection, the entire fortress—our defenses—will collapse." She looked towards the others, her brows furrowed. "The barrier won’t hold much longer with that thing feeding off of it."

Draven remained silent, his eyes focused on The Chain Revenant, his sharp gaze taking in every detail—the way the chains twisted, the glow of its eyes, the pattern of its movement. He was analyzing, calculating, his mind working through the possibilities. He could hear the chancellors talking, could hear the fear in their voices, the urgency. But his focus was absolute. He needed to understand the creature, needed to find its weakness.

Count Valen, his irritation evident, finally snapped, "What are you zoning out for, Draven? We need a plan, and we need it now."

Draven’s eyes didn’t waver from the creature as he responded, his voice cold and measured, "I’ve understood." He turned to the group, his gaze sweeping over them, his expression giving nothing away. "Now, here’s the plan." The others quieted immediately, their eyes on him, waiting.

Draven spoke with authority, his voice steady. "The Chain Revenant’s strength lies in its connection to the ley lines. It’s anchored itself, and that’s what makes it so powerful. The key is to disrupt that connection." He pointed towards the creature, his eyes narrowing. "The chains that bind it are feeding directly off the ley lines, and if we can break those chains, we sever its power source."

He turned to Duchess Blackthorn and Count Valen. "The two of you will focus on disrupting the chains. Blackthorn, your dark magic will weaken them, and Valen, your golden mana will act as a purifying force, severing the connection." Duchess Blackthorn nodded, her eyes glinting with determination, while Count Valen gave a tight, focused nod, his staff glowing faintly.

Draven continued, turning his gaze to Duke Icevern and Earl Falken. "Lancefroz, Falken—the two of you will engage The Chain Revenant directly. Your combined ice and wind magic should be able to keep it distracted, prevent it from lashing out at the others while we sever the chains."

Duke Icevern drew his icy sword, his expression unwavering. "Understood," he said, his voice steady.

Earl Falken twirled her sword, her eyes sharp, her lips curling into a determined smile. "We’ll keep it busy."

Draven then turned his gaze to the chancellors. "Chancellors. Lisanor, Elysior, Balthus—the three of you, along with your bodyguards, will form a protective barrier around the Arcane Influx. We cannot afford any stray attacks damaging the ley lines or the arcane machinery. Protect the Influx at all costs."

Lisanor’s eyes blazed with determination. "Consider it done."

Elysior nodded, her expression focused. "We’ll hold the line."

Balthus gave a curt nod, gripping his staff. "No harm will come to the Influx."

Draven paused for a moment, his eyes flicking back to The Chain Revenant, the cold glow of its spectral chains reflecting in his gaze. "I’ll take on the task of locating the core of the creature’s connection to the ley lines. There should be a central point where all the chains converge—if I can sever that connection, the entire creature will collapse." His voice was calm, almost detached, his confidence unwavering.

Elysior frowned, her eyes narrowing slightly. "The core? How do you plan on reaching it with all those chains in the way?"

Draven’s gaze flicked to her, his expression impassive. "I’ll manage," he replied simply. He didn’t offer further explanation—there wasn’t time, and he didn’t see the need to explain every detail. His words held a finality that brooked no argument.

Duke Icevern spoke up, his brow furrowed. "What about the ley lines? If we sever the chains, won’t there be a backlash?"

Draven nodded. "There will be a backlash. That’s why timing is crucial. Duchess Blackthorn’s magic will dampen the energy, and Count Valen’s will purify it, minimizing the impact. We need to move in sync—any delay, and the consequences could be catastrophic."

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Lisanor’s fiery gaze met Draven’s. "What if the creature tries to re-anchor itself?"

Draven’s eyes narrowed. "It won’t have the chance. Once we sever the chains, Duke Icevern and Earl Falken will keep it off balance. We strike fast, and we strike hard. No hesitation."

Count Valen let out a small sigh, shaking his head. "This is a gamble, Draven. If anything goes wrong—"

Draven cut him off, his voice cold. "Everything we do is a gamble, Valen. But this is our best chance. Unless you have a better idea?" His tone was sharp, his eyes unyielding.

Valen clenched his jaw but said nothing. Draven’s plan was risky, but it was calculated—precise. And deep down, Valen knew that Draven’s mind worked in ways others couldn’t fathom. He could see the angles, the probabilities, and he acted accordingly, without hesitation.

Elysior glanced at the others, then back at Draven. "If we succeed in severing the chains, how do we deal with the backlash?"

Draven looked at her, his gaze steady. "Once the connection is severed, I’ll redirect the energy into the surrounding ley lines. It will be volatile, but if the barrier holds, it will disperse safely. The key is to prevent the energy from converging back into the Influx."

There was a moment of silence as everyone processed Draven’s words. The room seemed to hum with anticipation, the arcane energy vibrating in the air, the weight of the moment pressing down on them all.

Draven looked at each of them, his expression unchanging.

"If there are no more questions," he said, his voice calm, carrying an edge of finality, "let’s commence."